This Sweet Potato Chickpea Curry Soup is a warm bowl of goodness! It combines creamy sweet potatoes with hearty chickpeas, all spiced up with aromatic curry flavors.
You’ll love how easy it is to make! Just throw everything in the pot, let it simmer, and voilà. Perfect for a cozy night in or to impress friends. Who doesn’t love a good soup? 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: The base of this soup! They’re naturally sweet and add creaminess. If you can’t find sweet potatoes, butternut squash is a great substitute for a similar texture and flavor.
Chickpeas: They provide protein and make the soup hearty. If you’re short on chickpeas, white beans or lentils can work as substitutes, but adjust cooking times accordingly since they cook differently.
Coconut Milk: This adds creaminess and richness. For a lighter version, you can use light coconut milk or even almond milk, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Spinach: It adds a nice color and nutritional boost. Kale can be a good alternative, but it may need a bit more cooking to become tender.
Spices: Adjust the curry powder and chili flakes based on your heat tolerance. If you enjoy a milder flavor, use less curry powder or opt for a mild version.
How Do You Make Sure the Sweet Potatoes Are Perfectly Tender?
The key to tender sweet potatoes is cooking them long enough! Make sure to dice them evenly for consistent cooking. Here’s how:
- Cut the sweet potatoes into equal-sized cubes, about 1-inch pieces.
- Add them to the pot with the broth and coconut milk early in the cooking process to ensure they soften properly.
- Simmer the soup until sweet potatoes can be easily pierced with a fork, usually around 20-25 minutes.
Taste-testing is always a good idea. If they’re still firm, let them simmer a little longer!
Tips for Sauteing Aromatics Effectively?
Sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger correctly enhances your soup’s base flavor. Here’s how to do it best:
- Start with medium heat to prevent burning.
- Add onions first and let them become translucent (about 5 minutes) before adding garlic and ginger.
- Keep an eye on them and stir often, as garlic can burn quickly.
This step builds a delicious foundation for the spices and the overall soup! When done right, your kitchen will smell amazing!
Sweet Potato Chickpea Curry Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1-2 tablespoons curry powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes or cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk (full fat preferred)
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
- Plain yogurt or coconut yogurt, for serving (optional)
- Cooked rice or naan bread for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 15 minutes to prep and about 30 minutes to cook, giving you a total of around 45 minutes. It’s a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner while still being hearty and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
First, pour the olive oil or coconut oil into a large pot and heat it over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This step builds great flavor as the onion cooks down.
2. Add Garlic and Ginger:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook these for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. You want the garlic to be fragrant but not browned. This will give your soup an aromatic base!
3. Incorporate Spices:
Now it’s time to add the spices! Sprinkle in the curry powder, ground turmeric, ground cumin, and chili flakes (if you’re using them). Stir everything together and let the spices cook for about 1 minute. This helps release their flavors and makes your kitchen smell amazing.
4. Add Sweet Potatoes and Chickpeas:
Add the diced sweet potatoes and rinsed chickpeas to the pot. Gently stir them in to get them coated with all that lovely spice mixture.
5. Simmer the Soup:
Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth, then stir well to combine. Increase the heat until the mixture comes to a simmer. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
6. Wilt the Spinach:
After the sweet potatoes are tender, toss in the fresh spinach leaves. Stir for about 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts down, adding color and nutrition to your soup.
7. Season to Taste:
Now, it’s time to season your soup! Add salt, black pepper, and the juice of one lime to brighten the flavors.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, ladle the soup into bowls. If you’d like, top with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves for extra flavor. This soup is delicious on its own or served with cooked rice or warm naan bread!
Enjoy your creamy, flavorful, and nourishing Sweet Potato Chickpea Curry Soup—a perfect dish for any day of the week!
Can I Use Other Vegetables in This Soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just make sure to chop them into similar-sized pieces as the sweet potatoes for even cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Coconut Milk?
If you’re not a fan of coconut milk, you can use almond milk or cashew cream as alternatives. However, keep in mind that this will slightly change the flavor and creaminess of the soup.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes! This soup stores well. You can make it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
How Do I Thicken the Soup if It’s Too Thin?
If your soup turns out too thin, you can blend a portion of it to create a creamier texture or add more diced sweet potatoes. Letting it simmer for a bit longer can also help thicken it up as the sweet potatoes break down.
